Family Code Night comes to Maine

By Stefany Burrell

AUGUSTA — The Reach Center at Maine Mathematics & Science Alliance is looking for schools, libraries, and other community organizations to host Family Code Nights during Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 4 through 8. The center’s goal is to have 1,000 people participate statewide — representing a total of 1,000 hours of code right here in Maine. It’s the perfect time for people of all ages to learn about coding, one of the skills underlying nearly all computer-based careers.

Did you know there are hundreds of good-paying computer science job openings in Maine right now? They include positions such as app developer, data analyst, and cyber-security specialist. When today’s youth are in the job market, there likely will be careers that don’t even exist today.

Participants don’t need to be experts in computer science in order to run a Family Code Night.The activities are appropriate for youth in grades K-8, but anyone new to computer coding will find it fun and challenging.

Visit mmsa.org/familycodenight to learn more about the program or to register as a host site.